Examples of our work


Sample Projects Completed by VIRGO Planning and Evaluation Consultants Inc.

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Health System Analysis and Needs-Based Planning

Using a systems analysis framework based on a set of core evidence-based principles, VIRGO has completed several large-scale reviews of mental health and/or substance use services and systems at the provincial and regional levels. Such system reviews typically include analysis of administrative data on service utilization; online surveys of stakeholders, including the general public; focus groups; interviews, group facilitation; and site visits. This work culminates in recommendations for enhancing treatment and support services and related policies.

Sample Publications and Reports

 

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Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement 

Brian was a pioneer in the development and application of program logic models as a tool for evaluation planning. He has developed and published many of the current features and applications of program logic models and his work has been incorporated into evaluation training materials for the World Health Organization for application internationally in substance abuse treatment and prevention services as well as in university curricula at the University of Toronto and the University of Western Ontario. While at CAMH, Brian was the lead developer of the Ontario Perception of Care (OPOC) tool for mental health and substance use services used widely across Ontario.

 

Sample Papers and Publications

 

ICHOM Substance User Outcomes Reference Guide

Recovery Monitoring Feasibility in Ontario

Coordinated-Access-Evaluation-Report

How to Measure Treatment Recovery

Program Logic Model -Seminal Paper

Evaluating Collaboration

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Evidence Reviews and Synthesis

We have been engaged by a number of national and provincial organizations to conduct evidence reviews and syntheses including:

  • The New Brunswick Ministry of Health for a review of literature and an environmental scan with respect to withdrawal management services and implications for the New Brunswick treatment system.
  • The Prairie and Ontario CRISM Research Nodes to support a national environmental scan and national survey of substance use service providers with a focus on withdrawal management for opioid dependence and psychosocial supports. Brian is leading the second phase of this work involved the development of best practice guidelines for safe withdrawal from opioids.
  • The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, to conduct a rapid review of models aimed at increasing access to substance use treatment services and supports.

Papers and publications

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Knowledge Exchange and Implementation Science

We have developed a number of products and led work to help bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. Examples include:

  • Jointly engaged by the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction to conduct a comprehensive review of research literature on the divergences and convergences across the mental health and substance use/addiction sectors, as well as prepare a set of short briefing notes on selected sub-topics. This work was aimed at facilitating a closer working relationship between the two sectors.
  • Engaged by the Addiction and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) to conduct an extensive consultation process related to the need to expand injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) in Ontario for individuals with opioid use disorder and to develop knowledge exchange products to support implementation of this treatment, where the need is identified. This work has involved working closely with a Program Advisory Committee, including people with lived and living experience with opioid use disorder.
  • Through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH),and as part of his national needs-based planning work, Brian led the development of tools to assess the readiness of system planners and service providers for implementing needs-based planning and acting the resulting gap analysis and system enhancement recommendations.
  • Also through CAMH, Brian provides ongoing support and expert advice on the implementation of structured screening and assessment tools and processes for substance use services in Ontario, as well as the Ontario Perception of Care (OPOC) tool for mental health and substance use services (developed by Brian while at CAMH). 

Selected papers and publications

(To be updated)